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Victoria Connections Design District

As one of London’s most well connected and most transformed areas in recent years, Victoria is a bustling, vibrant part of the capital. Major investment over the last decade has seen the biggest area-wide transformation since the Victorian era, bringing new businesses, residents, creative thinkers and visitors looking for world-class experiences.

Working with the theme of ‘Connections: people and places’ the Design District showcased the role that design plays in Victoria. Different forms of design can be seen in a variety of events and activities, brought to you by an array of local businesses. The Victoria Connections Design District seeks to show visitors how excellence in design is now part of the new landscape of Victoria - a place with a fascinating history and an exciting future. Design, in all its forms, is something that binds the area together - its people, its historic buildings and its new developments.

An exhibition of the plans for the redevelopment of Christchurch Gardens is just one event that highlighted the role that urban design plays in city centres. A number of events hosted by hospitality partners including The Taj Hotel at St James’ Court, M Restaurants and Eccleston Square Hotel, reminded visitors how crucial design is when it comes to meeting the expectations of foodies and hotel guests.

One of the area’s largest landowners, Landsec, brought Victoria’s history to life with a ‘Then & Now’ tour. The Guards Museum celebrated the area’s military connections and put a spotlight on how military uniforms are influencing mainstream fashion. Visitors to the Apollo Theatre were enthralled by an exhibition of costumes from Victoria’s long-running musical, Wicked.

Victoria Connections Design District

Places - the buildings, the people, and everything in between - are what make up a thriving, successful city. We have all heard of placemaking, and unfortunately, it is a term that is in danger of being overused (and misused), but making ‘places’ is not something that just happens. To this end, Business Improvement Districts across the capital are placemaking pioneers and in Victoria we are fortunate to have some great partners who are working collaboratively to make the area the great ‘place’ it has the potential to be.

Design has a vital role to play in the creation of places - but design has many faces. From great architecture and attractive urban landscaping, to the right mix of businesses, retail and cultural attractions and embracing a strong sense of history - design is important.

This is why this year the BID is spearheading an area-wide celebration of design in Victoria and we are thrilled to be a Design District for the first time.

Victoria BID was established in 2010 to represent the voice of business and work with partners to develop the area as a better place to work, live and visit. For the past eight years, the Victoria BID has been playing a crucial custodian role in the area - driving forward improvement programmes and galvanising the local business community to bring important cohesion and enhancements to the area.

Victoria is undergoing its most significant transformation and development since the Victorian era. Long gone are the days when the area was dominated by Government Departments and civil servants - today, the area is becoming increasingly known as a destination for commercial occupiers, world-class restaurants, shopping and cultural assets.

While much has been achieved over the last few years, Victoria’s renaissance continues and more development is on the horizon (Crossrail 2, and the much needed redevelopment of the mainline train station, for example). As Victoria continues to evolve we hope you enjoy visiting some of our businesses involved in this year’s LDF.

Food and Drink:

Rubens Hotel

2 for 1 offer on the ‘London Design Festival Cocktail’ in the New York Bar (upon presentation of the Guide or the Victoria BID Privilege Card)

39 Buckingham Palace Rd, Westminster, London SW1W 0PS

M Restaurant & Bar

50% off wine emotion machines when spending at least £15 during the Festival. To redeem, present festival guide to a member of staff.

Zig Zag Building, 74 Victoria St, London SW1E 6SQ

Blocks

Principal Supporter

Headline Partner

Collaborating Partner

London Design Festival is an annual event, held to celebrate and promote London as the design capital of the world and as the gateway to the international creative community.

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